Dental BridgeBridges are used to replace a missing tooth in both a cosmetic and functional fashion. A bridge structure is one or more artificial teeth anchored in place by natural teeth, crowns or implants, on each side of the bridge. Using a bridge to fill the gap from missing teeth helps restore proper bite and prevent teeth from shifting to fill the gap (which may lead to additional bite and jaw joint issues). Bridges can be constructed from gold, porcelain and metal, or all ceramic. Ceramic bridge color is made to match your natural tooth color. Material choice will depend on structural requirements, wear and aesthetics. Bridges are used to:

•

Replace missing teeth

•

Prevent teeth from shifting

•

Correct bite issues due to missing teeth

•

Help prevent jaw joint problems from altered bite

•

Improve appearance (cosmetic reasons)

Dental CrownsCrowns are used to restore teeth severely damaged due to fracture or decay. After the tooth surface is cleaned and prepared the crown is placed to cover the remainder of the tooth. The crown strengthens the tooth structure and helps prevent future decay. Crowns also improve the tooth's look, shape and alignment. Crowns are used to:

•

Restore a fractured tooth

•

Restore a tooth severely damaged by decay

•

Protect a tooth from fracture

•

Cover a discolored or unattractive tooth

•

Cover a dental implant

•

Anchor a bridge

Dental ImplantImplants may be the best option for replacing a single or multiple missing teeth. An implant is a metal post that is attached directly to the jawbone. After the bone and surrounding tissue has healed an artificial tooth is attached to the implant. Implants provide superior benefits compared to bridge work as they do not depend on neighboring teeth for structural support, although they are more expensive. Implants are the closest dental structure in durability to natural teeth and have greater cosmetic appeal. Implants are used to:

•

Replace missing teeth

•

Prevent teeth from shifting

•

Correct bite issues due to missing teeth

•

Help prevent jaw joint problems from altered bite

•

Improve appearance (cosmetic reasons)

FillingsFillings are used to restore tooth damage caused by tooth decay. After removing the decay and cleaning the area the dentist adds filling material. Fillings are made from traditional amalgam (silver colored) gold, silver or a composite (tooth colored).

Composite fillings, in addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, bond directly to the tooth surface unlike traditional fillings.